PRS Global Open Deep Cuts

Episodios

• Professor Sydney Ch'ng: "Fitting In, Standing Out" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 11.06.2026 36m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we speak with Professor Sydney Ch'ng, Professor of Surgery at the University of Sydney and one of the few surgeons fully trained in both head and neck surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr Ch'ng reflects on her journey from arriving in Australia as a Malaysian Chinese woman to building a distinguished surgical career across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the United States. She shares what it felt like adapting to a new country, how her perspective on fitting in and standing out evolved, and the mentors who shaped her path. We discuss her route through medical school, surgical training, research, fellowships, and her transition into consultant practice, including her experience at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr Ch'ng also offers insight into the challenges and rewards of combining cancer resection, reconstruction, and aesthetic surgery, and reflects on whether aesthetic training should play a larger role in plastic surgery programs. Beyond surgery, she speaks candidly about mentorship, academic publishing, setting up a practice, life outside medicine, and what it means to build a career with both technical excellence and cultural identity at its center. Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Keith Baar: Leveling Up Tendon Healing 25.05.2026 1h 5m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Baar talked about the effects of load on tendons and ligaments, how low load long duration loading can improve tendon strength and quality, the effects of stress shielding in tendons, whether resorbable sutures may be superior in tendon repair, why inadequately loaded tendons can develop tendinopathy, the effect of loss of load on tendons and ligaments, how to treat partial ligament tears with isometric exercises, and how increased protein intake is not very effective at increasing tissue recovery without loading and exercise. He also discussed how writing a mission statement helped him make decisions about his lab,  why his peers are often his mentors, and why you should start hanging off your door jamb for a few minutes every day. Dr. Keith Baar is a professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, and the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, at the University of California Davis Health School of Medicine, in Sacramento. He completed his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, followed by a master's degree in Human Biodynamics at UC Berkeley, and finally a Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Illinois. Now at UC Davis Health, he runs the Functional Molecular Biology Lab. His research focuses on how resistance exercise leads to increased muscle mass and how endurance exercise increases fatigue resistance in muscles. His lab is also working on the development of engineered bone-ligament-bone constructs for the reconstruction of ligament injuries.  Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp Papers referenced in the conversation: Effects of Different Loading Programs on Finger Strength in Rock Climbers. Gilmore NK, Klimek P, Abrahamsson E, Baar K.  Sports Med Open. 2024 Nov 19;10:125 Stress Relaxation and Targeted Nutrition to Treat Patellar Tendinopathy. Baar K. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2019 Jul 1;29(4):453–457 Resorbable Suture Is a Suitable Surgical Repair Material in a Rat Achilles Rupture and Repair Model. Gilmore NK, Orr SV, Lam SK, Christiansen BA, Baar K. JBJS Open Access. 2026 May 12;11(2):e26.00079.
• Dr. James Seaward: Leveling Up Cleft Palate Repair 27.04.2026 52m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast,  Dr. Seaward talked about his path into plastic surgery through the British medical training system, his experience working with Dr. Brian Sommerlad, his approach to the cleft palate repair and how he has incorporated and modified the Sommerlad technique. He also discussed the use of buccal fat flaps and buccal myomucosal flaps in cleft palate repairs, his thoughts on the Fisher technique in cleft lip repair, where he thinks the future of cleft lip repair is going, his research on 4D imaging in speech outcomes, how he became ambidextrous, and why surgery is a spectator sport.   Read a recent "PRS Global Open" article by Dr. Seaward and co-authors, "Rating the Rater: A Technique for Minimizing Leniency Bias in Residency Applications": https://bit.ly/Seaward_Leniency_Bias   Dr. James Seaward is an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is the director of the Craniofacial fellowship program, and an associate program director of the plastic surgery residency program at UT Southwestern. Dr. Seaward graduated with honors from Trinity College at Cambridge in England, and then earned a medical degree at the Royal Free and University College medical School in London. After completing a plastic surgery residency in Manchester, he came to UT Southwestern for a pediatric craniofacial fellowship, and then joined the faculty there in 2013. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association.   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Karol Gutowski: "Reinvention from Chief to Clinic" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 13.04.2026 38m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Karol Gutowski, a board-certified plastic surgeon, educator, and nationally recognized leader in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. With a career spanning academic leadership, surgical innovation, and private practice, Dr. Gutowski reflects on the journey that brought him to the United States, why he chose medicine, and how his training and residency experiences shaped the opportunities that followed.   We discuss some of his happiest memories from residency and academia, the achievements he is proudest of, and the realities of serving in major leadership roles, including as Chief of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Gutowski also shares what prompted his transition from academia to private practice, how he navigated the uncertainty of leaving a fixed income to build his own business, and his perspective on what it takes to start and sustain a successful private clinic. Along the way, he offers thoughtful insights into handling patient dissatisfaction, avoiding short-lived trends, and distinguishing lasting innovation from fad in plastic surgery.   Beyond surgery, this conversation explores the personal side of a long career in medicine: what it is like working alongside his wife, balancing work and family life, and how he thinks about success across both professional and personal spheres. We also talk about whether different personalities are drawn to aesthetic versus reconstructive surgery, the future of the specialty, and what he sees as the next big thing in plastic surgery and medicine more broadly.   Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Gutowski and co-authors, "What Influences a Plastic Surgery Resident to Pursue an Academic Career?": https://bit.ly/Academic_Influences_GOX   Dr. Gutowski is an award-winning Chicago-based plastic surgeon known for advanced aesthetic treatments of the face, breast, body, and skin, as well as for his extensive contributions to education, research, and national professional leadership. He has authored over 100 publications and book chapters, served in numerous chief and professorial roles, and has been recognized as a Top Doctor by U.S. News & World Report, Castle Connolly, and others.   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Eamon O'Reilly: Leveling Up with a Willingness to Fail 30.03.2026 57m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Eamon O'Reilly talked about how his time in the navy defined his approach to being a surgeon, his belief in living a life of service, how to approach patients with that philosophy in mind and why it requires a degree of sacrifice, his three rules for the operating room, and how he was able to sustainably and reproducibly create a microsurgery service at the San Diego Naval Medical Center. He also discusses why the surgical system and infrastructure matters more than the surgeon, why the postoperative period needs to be a focal point of patient care, how he pulls off a 45 minute breast reduction safely,  his experience setting up the gender affirmation surgery program in San Diego, how innovation requires a firm grasp of foundational principles and a willingness to fail, the three qualities he thinks make a good resident,  and finally, his food adventures on the hospital ship Mercy.   Read a recent "PRS Global Open" article by Dr. O'Reilly and co-authors, "Donor Limb Functional Restoration via a Novel Clinical Care Pathway following Fibula Free Flap Harvest for Head and Neck Reconstruction": https://bit.ly/Fibula-FF-Care-OReilly.   Dr. Eamon O'Reilly is  board certified general surgeon and plastic surgeon and an Associate professor at the University of Missouri division of Plastic Surgery. Dr. O'Reilly was born and raised in Anchorage Alaska and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Biochemistry, followed by medical school at the University of Washington, and a General Surgery residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. After spending a year with the US Navy, working as the only general surgeon in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he completed a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He returned to the Naval Medical Center San Diego where he eventually served as the Department Head and the Plastic Surgery Consultant to the US Navy Surgeon General. He deployed overseas multiple times on the hospital ship USNS Mercy, and to Afghanistan NATO Role 3 Hospital in Kandahar. He recently joined the University of Missouri Division of Plastic Surgery where his practice focuses on complex microsurgical reconstruction including limb salvage and limb preservation, head and neck reconstruction, as well as breast and body aesthetic surgery.   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Cenk Demirdover: Leveling Up Plastic Surgery in Izmir, Turkey 02.03.2026 1h 1m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Cenk Demirdover talked about his training in Turkey and his path into plastic surgery, his approach to resident training, how he does an augmentation mastopexy, his technique for breast augmentation under local anesthesia, the use of the appropriately named Demirdover flaps for sacral reconstruction, a new approach to alveolar bone grafting in cleft palate patients, and the importance of treating patients like you would like to be treated yourself.   Read a recent "PRS Global Open" article by Dr. Demirdover and co-authors, "Layered Repair in Extensive Sacral Defects with Bilaminar Gluteal Flaps: Demirdover Flaps": https://bit.ly/DemirdoverFlaps     Dr. Cenk Demirdover is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Izmir, Turkey. He completed medical school at Ege University, followed by plastic surgery training at Dokuz Eylul University. He worked as a faculty member at the Dokuz Eylul University until his retirement in 2023, and returned to private practice. He is the past president of the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, past president of the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, the current secretary general of the European Society of Plastic Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgery, and the president of the Platform of the Turkic World of Plastic Surgery. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Turkish Journal of Plastic surgery, and a member of the editorial board of the European Journal of Plastic Surgery and the Journal of Wound Care.   Dr. Demirdover has no conflicts of interest with products or companies mentioned in the episode.   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Justine Lee: Leveling Up Complex Facial Surgery 17.02.2026 59m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Justine Lee talked about how she approaches research, how she developed the planning process for adult facial feminization surgeries, what a porcupine forehead guide is, the multidisciplinary Gender Health program for adults at UCLA, the tension between doing surgeries the same way each time and improving the process, the standardized room setup and timed surgical sequencing that she uses for these surgeries, how she uses a female skull to plan the necessary bony changes in adult facial feminization surgery, her switch to preservation rhinoplasty and the use of cadaveric cartilage in rhinoplasty, and the use of prehabilitation to decrease opioid use and improve outcomes. She also discussed her new fellowship at UCLA, how she avoids tunnel vision and keeps herself honest with on-table results during cases, what WWGD means, and her love of Star Trek. Read a classic "PRS Global Open" article by Dr. Lee and co-authors, "Simplifying Facial Feminization Surgery Using Virtual Modeling on the Female Skull": https://bit.ly/Simplifying_FFS_Lee  Dr. Justine Lee is a Professor and Associate Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, California. She holds the Bernard G. Sarnat Endowed Chair in Craniofacial Biology. Dr. Lee attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies, then completed medical school, a PhD, and Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Chicago. She returned to UCLA as a craniofacial fellow, and then stayed on as a member of the faculty. Dr. Lee serves as the Experimental Section Editor for the journal "Plastic Reconstructive Surgery," and serves as the chair of the Plastic Surgery Research Council. She received the 2016 UCLA Plastic Surgery Faculty Teaching award. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Andrea Moreira: "Shaped by Two Worlds"– A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 02.02.2026 47m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Moreira, renowned plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction expert, and global health advocate, to explore the remarkable journey behind her career and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Dr. Moreira shares the personal story behind why she chose medicine, what it was like training at the University of Pará in Brazil, and the emotional and professional challenges of repeating medical school after moving to the United States. She walks us through the differences she observed between residency training in Brazil and the U.S., her path through two residencies at the Cleveland Clinic, and her progression into leadership roles at major institutions including the Cleveland Clinic and UPMC, where she now serves as Director of Innovation for Breast Reconstruction Services and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Magee Women's Hospital. We dive into her cutting-edge work in robotic-assisted microsurgery, breast neurotization, and direct-to-implant reconstruction, as well as her experiences in research, teaching, and global health missions. Dr. Moreira also opens up about the mentors who shaped her career, how she and her husband navigate life as a dual-physician couple, and how trainees can identify the right program or environment for their stage of development. Whether you're a medical student, resident, or aspiring plastic surgeon, Dr. Moreira offers thoughtful advice on when, and how, to get involved, the value of microsurgery training, and what she wishes more young surgeons knew. A candid, inspiring conversation with one of the field's most forward-thinking leaders. Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Moreira and co-authors, "Learning Curve Analysis for Robotic-assisted Harvest of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap": https://bit.ly/Robotic_DIEP_GOX   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.  #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Babak Mehrara: "Practice, People, and Purpose" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 20.01.2026 26m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Babak Mehrara, an internationally recognized leader in oncologic reconstruction and Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mehrara shares the remarkable journey that shaped his career, beginning with his move from Iran to the United States and the path that led him into medicine.   We explore how Dr. Mehrara chose his medical school, the mentors who influenced his development, and the pivotal moments that guided him toward plastic surgery. Dr. Mehrara offers a candid look at the personalities within different surgical subspecialties, how he thinks about broadening or narrowing a practice, and why he believes plastic surgery holds unique value within the field of medicine.   Dr. Mehrara opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of the operating room, and he discusses the "buddy system" he pioneered to foster healthier, more effective teamwork in high-stakes clinical environments.   With more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles at MSK, Weill Cornell Medical College, and the NIH-funded Lymphatic Biology Lab, as well as his current service as President of The Plastic Surgery Foundation (2025–2026), Dr. Mehrara brings a rare blend of clinical and scientific insight to this conversation—offering inspiration and guidance for trainees, surgeons, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of reconstructive care.   Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Mehrara and co-authors, "Thigh-based Breast Reconstruction: A Decade of Experience With the Diagonal Upper Gracilis Flap": bit.ly/DUG_Flap_10_Yrs_Mehrara     Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Devinder Singh: Leveling Up a Storied Plastic Surgery Program 05.01.2026 1h 2m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Devinder Singh talked about balancing the role of being a surgeon and a Division Chief, how he went about growing and rejuvenating the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, the differences between a community hospital and academic hospital setting, why he enjoys doing the job of a circulating nurse, his unique experience being the chair of the Maryland State Medical Board, his approach to pre-pectoral implant based breast reconstruction, why he thinks negative pressure therapy is helpful in reducing complications, how he salvages infected implant based reconstruction, why chief residents need more time in the clinic rather than the OR, and the special quality assurance conference format he has instituted at Miami.   Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Dr. Singh reports consulting relationships with Solventum and IC Surgical; several products from these companies were discussed in this episode.   Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Singh and co-authors, "The Efficacy of Single-Application NPWTi-d for the Salvage of Infected Breast Prostheses: A Multi-Center Study": https://bit.ly/npwti-d-salvage   Dr. Devinder Singh is the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami Health System and a professor of surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Previously he was the Chief and Medical Director of Plastic Surgery at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of medicine and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Singh completed medical school at Columbia University, and a combined plastic surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital. He has previously served as the Chair of the Board of Physicians of the State of Maryland. He has also served as chair of the ASPS legislative advocacy committee, and on the board of governors for PlastyPac, and the ASPS judicial council.   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Kevin Chung: "The Anatomy of a Calling" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 22.12.2025 26m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana,  we sat down Dr. Kevin C. Chung, one of the most influential figures in modern plastic and hand surgery. Dr. Chung is the William C. Grabb Distinguished University Professor of Surgery and the Charles B. G. De Nancrede Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan. A globally respected surgeon-scientist, he has authored more than 850 peer-reviewed papers, 600 book chapters, and 41 textbooks, and served as the 7th Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His leadership roles span the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the Plastic Surgery Foundation, among many others.   We explore Dr. Chung's personal journey into medicine, beginning with whether he always envisioned becoming a doctor and what alternate career paths he once considered. He reflects on the mentors who guided him toward plastic surgery and shares how his training experiences: from general surgery in Texas, to plastic surgery at the University of Michigan, to hand surgery at the renowned Curtis National Hand Center, shaped his philosophy as a surgeon and educator.   Dr. Chung shares thoughtful reflections on the contrasts he has observed between practicing medicine in America moving from Singapore, and he discusses the pivotal moment that led him to specialize in hand surgery. He also talks about how surgeons can recognize when it may be appropriate to narrow or refine their scope of practice. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Chung opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of medicine and the philosophy he follows to prevent burnout throughout a demanding and highly productive career. Tune in for rare insight and invaluable perspective from one of plastic surgery's most accomplished leaders.   Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chung and co-authors, "Out-of-pocket Costs and Total Payments for Common Congenital Hand Difference Procedures": https://bit.ly/Congenital-Hand-Costs-Chung   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Tormod Westvik: Leveling Up a Diverse Practice 08.12.2025 51m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Tormod Westvik talked about his diverse journey through the world of plastic surgery—from navigating residency training programs in America, Norway, and Australia to balancing algorithmic decision-making with highly individualized patient care. He shares why returning to first principles is essential in every clinical encounter, how serving as Section Editor for Case Reports in PRS Global Open has reshaped his surgical thinking, and the leadership lessons he carries forward from his mentors. Dr. Westvik also offers a memorable glimpse into his life outside the OR—including the surprising tool he uses to slice pizzas.   Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chuang and co-authors, "The Value of Case Reports in Plastic Surgery: An Analysis of 68,444 Articles across Six Major Plastic Surgery Journals": https://bit.ly/Value_of_PS_Case_Reports   Dr. Tormod Westvik is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an Associate Professor in the department of plastic surgery at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He completed medical school at the University of Oslo in 2001, followed by general surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, and a plastic surgery residency at Harvard University. He returned to Norway where he became the Chief of Plastic Surgery and Program Director of the plastic surgery training program at Telemark Hospital Health Trust. After 12 years practicing in Norway, he spent a year in Queensland, Australia, returning to Yale in April 2025. He is the past president of the Norwegian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the past vice president of the Norwegian Association for Plastic Surgeons, the Norwegian representative to the ASPS Global Leadership Forum, the Section Editor for case reports at Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, and a member of multiple committees within ASPS. Dr. Westvik has a broad plastic surgery practice including breast reconstruction, hand surgery, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery, and general reconstruction. He is also leading the storied melanoma program at Yale, founded in 1976 by Dr. Stephan Ariyan.   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Prof. Venkat Ramakrishnan: "Unstitched—A Story across Continents and Generations"– A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 24.11.2025 37m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Professor Venkat Ramakrishnan, a globally respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over four decades of experience.   Known for his pioneering work in microsurgical breast reconstruction, Prof. Ramakrishnan has performed more than 1,500 DIEP and TUG flap procedures and currently leads the Breast Reconstruction Service at the renowned St. Andrew's Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns in Chelmsford, UK. His private practice spans Brentwood and Southend-on-Sea, and he continues to be a leading figure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as a mentor through his fellowship program and professorship at Anglia Ruskin University.   In this conversation, Prof. Ramakrishnan shares the personal and professional journey that led him into plastic surgery, including his decision to train in Australia to build an independent career, rather than follow in the footsteps of his father, a prominent plastic surgeon in India. We explore his international training experience across India, Australia, and the United States, and how these shaped his unique surgical perspective and relentless focus on efficiency in the operating room. He also offers insight into managing work-life balance, a topic particularly resonant for younger surgeons navigating demanding careers.   We round out the discussion with Prof. Ramakrishnan's views on the role of AI in plastic surgery—where he sees both promise and limitations—and reflections on the moment he considers his proudest professional achievement. With warmth, honesty, and a wealth of experience, Prof. Ramakrishnan offers invaluable lessons for surgeons at every stage of their careers. Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Ramakrishnan and co-authors, "The "Needle-splint" Technique: A Method of Accurate Apposition and Eversion during Microvascular Anastomosis": https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2020/01000/the__needle_splint__technique__a_method_of.29.aspx   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Drs. David Chwei-Chin Chuang and Jing Qin Tay: Leveling Up Complex Nerve Reconstruction- Recorded Live at PSTM 2025 10.11.2025 52m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. David Chwei-Chin Chuang discussed his career in nerve surgery, the importance of accurate diagnosis in brachial plexus reconstruction, and how he goes about documenting his evaluations and his surgeries, how he treats patients with aberrant motor reinnervation and synkinesis in the face and upper extremity, his approach to counseling patients before these complex surgeries, how to prevent burnout, and the future of nerve surgery. Dr. Chuang was joined by his nerve fellow Dr. Jing Tay, who provided insights into his experience working with Dr. Chuang, and the differences in the training models he has experienced in Taiwan and England.   Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chuang and co-authors, "Postparalysis Facial Synkinesis Clinical Classification and Surgical Strategies":  https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2015/03000/postparalysis_facial_synkinesis__clinical.7.aspx    Dr. Chuang is a Professor of Surgery at Wan Fang Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. He earned his medical degree from Kaohsiung Medical College in Taiwan and completed his internship and general surgery residency at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei. He did a plastic surgery residency under Dr. Samuel Noordhoff at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, followed by extensive fellowship training with Dr. Terzis in Virginia, Dr. Narakas in Lausanne, Switzerland, Dr. Millesi in Vienna, Austria, and Dr. Kondo in Taiwan. He worked at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei as a Professor of Surgery until 2024, and then joined the Wan Fang Hospital.   Dr. Jing Tay is a nerve reconstruction fellow working with Professor David Chuang at Wan Fang Hospital. He trained in plastic surgery in Oxford, England, and holds a PhD in Biomedical sciences and an executive MBA. He is the current Chair of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons International Residents Forum and serves as the UK's national trainee lead for the lymphedema special interest group.   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Steven Williams: "Sculpting History"– A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 27.10.2025 35m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Steven Williams for an inspiring and candid conversation that goes beyond the surface of success. We dive into the moments that shaped his journey — from battling imposter syndrome to finding his calling in plastic surgery, and from his experiences at Yale University to building a technology company while still in residency. Dr. Williams reflects on the lessons learned along the way, the influences that guided him, what it means to lead as president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and his vision for breaking barriers and expanding access to care in the communities he serves.   Dr. Williams is a board-certified plastic surgeon, founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, California, and the 2023-2024 president of the ASPS, the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. He earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and went on to complete medical school and residency at Yale University, where he made history as the first African American to graduate from Yale's plastic surgery program. His career is marked by a dedication to excellence, education, and representation in medicine.   As the first African American president of ASPS, Dr. Williams has focused his leadership on technology, innovation, and diversity — ensuring that plastic surgery continues to advance while remaining inclusive and accessible. His story is one of perseverance and purpose, illustrating how leadership, vision, and compassion can shape not only a career but an entire specialty.   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.    #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Jesse Selber: "Robot Hands, Human Vision" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 29.09.2025 39m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jesse Selber, a trailblazer in plastic surgery and a bold leader shaping the future of healthcare. With a career that spans cutting-edge clinical innovation, high-impact leadership, and groundbreaking surgical achievements, including the world's first robotic plastic surgery program and a historic multi-organ transplant. Dr. Selber offers a rare perspective at the intersection of medicine, technology, and strategy.  Currently serving as Interim Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Surgical Services at Corewell Health East, Dr. Selber shares his journey into plastic surgery, his thoughts on the evolving relationship between reconstructive and aesthetic work, and what it means to be an "intuitive surgeon." We also dive deep into his leadership philosophy: the mentors who shaped him, how he adapts his leadership style across roles, and what it takes to unify teams behind ambitious goals. From robotics to AI, from building surgical programs to transforming entire health systems, Dr. Selber reflects on the innovations he's championed, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Whether you're a surgeon, healthcare leader, or someone curious about the future of medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. Tune in for a powerful conversation with one of the most visionary minds in modern surgery. Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Selber and co-authors, "An Updated Classification: Important Branching and Perforator Patterns in Robotic-assisted Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flaps": https://bit.ly/GOX_Robotic-DIEP_Selber  Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Hari Venkatramani: "Precision, Passion & Purpose" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview 01.09.2025 43m

  In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Hari Venkatramani, one of India's foremost plastic and reconstructive surgeons, uncovers the human story behind the scalpel. From growing up in various cities due to his father's career as an air marshal, to the formative lessons that shaped his resilience and adaptability, Dr. Venkatramani reflects on how early experiences have guided his professional journey. He opens up about what initially drew him to the intricate world of plastic surgery, the personal joys he finds in the operating room, and the fulfillment that comes from changing lives -- often in the most critical of moments.    We also explore the personal side of his story -- how he met his wife, how he balances intense professional demands with life outside the hospital, and what he believes is his most meaningful contribution to the specialty. It's an honest, engaging, and inspiring conversation that offers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a world-renowned surgeon. Whether you're in medicine, leadership, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insight and humanity.   Read a classic PRS Global Open case report by Dr. Venkatramani, "Reconstruction of a Monodactylous Hand with Microsurgical Free Foot-to-Hand Transfer in Split-Hand/Split-Foot Malformation with Tibial Aplasia": https://bit.ly/GOX20_Monodactylous_Hand    Dr. Hari Venkatramani, MBBS, MS, MCh, DNB, EDHS, is a Senior Consultant in Plastic and Trauma Reconstructive Surgery at the internationally acclaimed Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore. A pioneering figure in reconstructive microsurgery and nerve surgery, he currently serves as Vice-President of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI), President-Elect of the Indian Society for Peripheral Nerve Surgery, and Secretary of both the Indian Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the Brachial Plexus Surgery Group of India.   His academic and clinical contributions span over 200 national and international presentations, numerous awards including the prestigious Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy Leadership Award and multiple best paper prizes, and visiting professorships at institutions like NYU and the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Venkatramani's areas of expertise include complex limb trauma, brachial plexus injuries, congenital hand reconstruction, and lymphedema surgery. His innovation in microsurgery, coupled with a deep commitment to teaching and research, has left a significant impact on the field -- not just in India, but globally.   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 3 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
• Dr. Ash Patel: Leveling Up Emotional Intelligence 18.08.2025 55m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Ash Patel shares how emotional intelligence transforms surgery—improving patient care, teamwork, and decision-making—plus his approach to impactful academic research, balancing personal and professional goals, the power of diversity to drive innovation, surgical techniques including pectoralis and gracilis muscle flaps, career-shaping mentors, and an unexpected claim to fame outside the world of plastic surgery. Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Patel and colleagues, "Navigating the Ethical Landmines of ChatGPT: Implications of Intelligent Chatbots in Plastic Surgery Clinical Practice": https://bit.ly/ChatGPT_Ethics_In_PS   Dr. Ash Patel is a Professor in the division of Plastic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine, and was previously the Chief and Residency Program Director of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Albany Medical College in New York. He completed medical school at the University of Dundee in Glasgow, followed by a general surgery residency at Tufts in Massachusetts, and a plastic surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt in Tennessee. He is a section editor for the journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery." He is the chair of the ASPS Annual meeting in New Orleans in 2025. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Alison Snyder-Warwick: Leveling Up the Future of Peripheral Nerve Surgery 21.07.2025 56m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Snyder-Warwick discussed her recent transition from Wash U to Michigan and how she has handled the switch, the philosophy of time, distance and severity when dealing with nerve injuries, the changes she has made over the years in her facial reanimation and peripheral nerve surgery practices, the relatively new field of corneal neurotization, the importance of personalizing the treatment of facial paralysis to each patient, the usefulness of buccal myomucosal flaps in cleft palate repair, how she involves residents in the management of cleft patients, and where the future of nerve repair and regeneration lies.  Read a classic PRS Global Open abstract by Dr. Snyder-Warwick and her colleagues, Buccal Myomucosal Flap Repair for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction": https://bit.ly/BuccalMyomucosalFlapAbstract  Dr. Alison Snyder-Warwick is a Professor and the Section Head for of Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was previously an Associate professor and Residency Program director at the Washington University in St Louis. She completed medical school, a research fellowship, and a plastic surgery residency at Wash U, followed by a pediatric plastic surgery and pediatric microsurgery fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. She has a practice focused on facial nerve reconstruction, peripheral nerve surgery, and pediatric cleft surgery. She is also a prolific researcher with a basic science lab. Dr. Snyder-Warwick is a senior oral examiner for the American board of Plastic Surgery, past chair of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, past Curriculum Committee chair for the American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery, and Historian of the American Society for Peripheral Nerve. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
• Dr. Galen Perdikis: Leveling Up the Pyramid of Surgical Skill 23.06.2025 1h 4m

  In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Galen Perdikis discusses the growth that Vanderbilt's plastic surgery department and residency program have experienced over the last decade, the importance of specialized service lines to achieve the best patient care as well as resident education, the benefits of advanced practice providers in creating institutional memory, how he has built cross-departmental teams at Vanderbilt, what he means by "team-based capitalism" and how this approach has created a strong sense of teamwork in his faculty. He also discusses the pyramid approach to developing surgical skill and the need for active learning to climb that pyramid, the highly structured and formal approach to resident evaluation that Vanderbilt has instituted, his controversial thoughts on competency based residency certification, how to give good feedback, his thoughts on the use of meshes in breast reconstruction, how he has improved his efficiency in DIEP flaps, why he likes exoscopes for microsurgery cases, why dog ears are the bane of his existence, and what exactly a Scouser is. Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Perdikis and his colleagues, "Acellular Dermal Matrix Performance Compared with Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Expander-Based Breast Reconstruction": https://bit.ly/ADMvsLDMF_GOX  Dr. Galen Perdikis is a Professor and the G Patrick Maxwell Endowed Chair of the department of Plastic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and was previously the Professor and Chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Mayo College of Medicine in Jacksonville Florida. He completed medical school at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He trained in both South Africa and England, he completed a general surgery residency and research fellowship at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha Nebraska. He finished his training with a plastic surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt, where he has now returned for the last 8 years as Chair. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, President-Elect of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, a member of the editorial board for the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and a previous member of the Board of Governors for ASPS PlastyPAC. He is a visiting professor for ASPS this year. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp